Echoes Of The Undying

Chapter 1: The Reward and Departure

The buzz of excitement filled our classroom as we gathered for the final assembly of the term. Our class, proudly known as the Horizon Shadow Class, had achieved an impressive feat—securing the highest scores in the school exams. To celebrate our success, we were rewarded with a 3-day, 2-night camping trip to a remote location by a river, far from the city. The anticipation among us was palpable as we prepared for this long-awaited adventure.

The day before our departure, our classroom was abuzz with preparations. The male students—Shamir, Nigel, Amirul, Alif, and Filbert—took charge of organizing the logistics. They meticulously packed the supplies, ensuring that each vehicle was equipped with essential gear. They had also been tasked with setting up the campsite once we arrived.

As we boarded the two large vehicles, affectionately called ‘tungmas,’ the sense of adventure was unmistakable. The Horizon Shadow Class was a mix of excitement and nerves. The Horizon Shadow's Class were eagerly discussing the activities we had planned—hiking, fishing, and team-building games. We were ready to embrace the great outdoors and the challenges it might bring.

Mary, brimming with enthusiasm, rallied the group. “Alright everyone, let’s get moving! We have a whole three days ahead of us to enjoy. I’ve been looking forward to this trip all semester!”

Lorenda, adjusting her backpack, added, “I just hope the weather stays clear. It’s supposed to be perfect for camping, and I don’t want anything ruining our fun.”

Nicole, carrying a cooler, chimed in, “I’ve got snacks and drinks covered. We’ll have everything we need to keep us energized during our adventure.”

Angella, with a map in hand, said, “Let’s make sure we stick to the plan. We’ll set up camp by the river, and then we can start exploring. Remember, we need to split into groups for different tasks.”

Evagelina, eyeing the group’s equipment, reminded everyone, “Don’t forget, we have specific roles. We need cooks, guards, and multimedia folks to capture all our great moments.”

The journey to the campsite was filled with laughter and camaraderie. We sang along to our favorite songs, shared stories, and marveled at the changing scenery as we left the city behind. The drive was long but enjoyable, with each passing mile heightening our anticipation.

The Communication & Control (C&C) team—Nigel, Alif, Faizah, and Ann—immediately began their duties as soon as they departed. They contacted Mr. Harrow, our teacher, to inform him of our safe arrival and provide an initial report of our setup. Mr. Harrow congratulated us on our achievements and wished us a fantastic trip. His words of encouragement filled us with a sense of pride and motivation.

As the buses—large, rugged vehicles designed to handle the rough terrain—rumbled towards Maple Ridge Camp, the excitement was palpable. Our group, divided into smaller teams, began discussing their roles.

Fazirah , who had been designated as one of the cooks, asked, “So, who’s going to be in the cooking team with me? We’ll need to coordinate our meals.”

Famizah, with a nod, said, “I’m in. Let’s make sure we plan out the menu so we don’t end up with too much of the same thing.” Dayana and Asnina nod, as they also became the main chef..

Filbert, sitting nearby, was fiddling with a camera. “I’ll be handling the multimedia. I want to make sure we capture every moment of this trip.”

Mae, organizing the supplies, added, “And I’ll make sure we have everything sorted out. It’s going to be a great trip, but we need to stay organized.”

As the buses arrived at Maple Ridge Camp, the excitement reached its peak. We disembarked and began unloading our gear. The picturesque setting of the river and surrounding forest was breathtaking. The air was fresh, and the sound of the flowing water was soothing.